15 Must-Visit US National Parks This March
Looking for the perfect spring escape? These 15 national parks shine brightest in March, when mild temperatures and smaller crowds create ideal conditions for exploring.
We’ve handpicked the most spectacular spots across America, complete with insider tips and carefully selected places to stay!
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1. Saguaro National Park, AZ
The towering cacti of Saguaro National Park stand like silent guardians against the desert sky, creating the perfect backdrop for your spring trip.
Gentle daytime temperatures in the 70s make hiking a breeze, while moonlit programs let you experience the desert’s nocturnal magic.
The real show happens at sunset when the sky explodes in cotton-candy colors above the iconic saguaro silhouettes.
Insider Tip: Book the Moonrise Over The Mountains program to combine live music with the spectacle of the full moon rising over cacti.
Where to Stay: The Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort offers stunning desert views and authentic Southwest charm in a historic 1929 property.
2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM
Carlsbad Caverns National Park pulls you into an underground realm where limestone formations create nature’s most spectacular sculpture gallery.
The Natural Entrance Trail winds down 750 feet – that’s as tall as the Empire State Building!
The Big Room Route showcases a chamber so massive it could hold 14 football fields. Cool cave temperatures make this the perfect escape when afternoon temperatures rise.
Insider Tip: Take the Natural Entrance down and catch the elevator back up.
Where to Stay: Trinity Hotel Carlsbad occupies a beautifully restored 1892 building and offers boutique comfort with a local wine cellar.
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3. Congaree National Park, SC
Congaree National Park‘s mysterious swampland comes alive as winter fades. The 2.4-mile Boardwalk Trail floats you through a prehistoric-looking forest where ancient hardwoods tower overhead.
Wildlife watching hits peak season now – keep your eyes peeled for turkey, deer, and yes, even alligators lounging near the boardwalk.
Insider Tip: Check the park’s famous “Mosquito Meter” before planning your visit to avoid the buzziest days.
Where to Stay: Graduate Columbia sits in the heart of the city with quirky collegiate-inspired decor and easy park access.
4. Everglades National Park, FL
Everglades National Park serves up wild Florida at its finest, with alligators sunbathing along trails and great blue herons striking poses for your camera.
The dry season brings comfortable temperatures and concentrated wildlife viewing as animals gather around remaining water sources.
Take an airboat tour to zoom through the “River of Grass” or paddle quiet mangrove tunnels in search of manatees.
Insider Tip: Visit in early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active.
Where to Stay: The newly opened Flamingo Lodge inside the park offers stunning rooms where you can wake up to mesmerizing views and immerse yourself in untamed wilderness.
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5. Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Joshua Tree National Park’s otherworldly landscape bursts with color as spring wildflowers carpet the desert floor.
Daytime temperatures hover around a perfect 72°F, ideal for scrambling over massive boulder formations or trying your hand at rock climbing.
The park’s famous Joshua trees stretch their spiky arms toward some of the clearest night skies in America.
Where to Stay: Autocamp Joshua Tree offers luxe Airstream accommodations under starlit desert skies.
6. Death Valley National Park, CA
Death Valley National Park invites adventurers to explore its otherworldly landscapes when pleasant temperatures make hiking a dream.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the darkest night skies in America, perfect for stargazing and night photography.
The park’s vastness means you’ll need to plan your drives strategically to make the most of your visit.
Insider Tip: Visit Badwater Basin at sunrise or sunset for the most magical views.
Where to Stay: The Inn at Death Valley offers luxurious Mission-style accommodations with lush surroundings that beautifully contrast the desert landscape.
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7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX
The soaring peaks of Guadalupe Mountains National Park showcase Texas’s highest points against brilliant blue skies.
Hidden within these mountains lie fascinating marine fossils from an ancient tropical ocean, telling a 260-million-year-old story.
The park’s diverse trails lead you through desert scrublands to unexpected pine forests, offering some of the most impressive hiking in Texas.
Insider Tip: Get your wilderness camping permit online before arrival to secure the best spots.
Where to Stay: The White’s City Cavern Inn, located just 35 minutes away, offers an outdoor pool and kids’ play area, making it the perfect base camp for exploring both the Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns.
8. White Sands National Park, NM
The glistening gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park create a mesmerizing landscape unlike anywhere else in the world.
The park’s unique ecosystem supports wildlife that has adapted to life in this stark white desert, including bleached lizards that match the sand.
Insider Tip: Rent a car in advance to get the best rates and maximize your exploration.
Where to Stay: Home2 Suites stands out as the best overall lodging option near the park, offering modern amenities and easy access to the dunes.
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9. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
The breathtaking vistas of Grand Canyon National Park stretch endlessly before your eyes, painted in layers of red and orange.
The South Rim buzzes with energy as visitors from around the world gather to witness nature’s greatest sculpture.
Book a sunset tour with dinner! A perfect way to end your day.
Where to Stay: El Tovar Hotel, the crown jewel of Grand Canyon lodges, offers historic charm right at the canyon’s edge.
10. Pinnacles National Park, CA
The dramatic spires of Pinnacles National Park pierce the California sky, creating a rock climber’s paradise.
Thirty miles of trails wind through towering cliffs and mysterious talus caves, offering adventures for every skill level.
The park transforms into a wildflower wonderland in spring, while endangered California condors soar overhead year-round.
Where to Stay: The Inn at Pinnacles, a Mediterranean-style bed and breakfast, sits less than 2 miles from the west entrance on a private vineyard.
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11. Capitol Reef National Park, UT
Soaring red rock cliffs of Capitol Reef National Park create a jaw-dropping backdrop for your spring trip through Utah’s hidden gem.
Rainbow-colored canyons and twisting trails lead to secret waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs.
The park’s famous Fruita orchards offer a unique twist – you can actually pick fresh fruit right off the trees!
Hiking trails like Cassidy Arch and Navajo Knobs serve up heart-pumping adventures with seriously epic views.
Where to Stay: Capitol Reef Resort offers unique lodging options including luxury glamping under the stars with unobstructed views of those magnificent red rocks.
12. Big Bend National Park, TX
Rugged mountain peaks of Big Bend National Park rise dramatically from the Chihuahuan Desert, creating a wild frontier playground in Texas.
Lost Mine Trail rewards hikers with jaw-dropping panoramic views across endless mountain ranges, while Santa Elena Canyon’s towering walls create nature’s most impressive cathedral.
Wildlife watchers can spot black bears and mountain lions roaming through the Chisos Basin.
Insider Tip: Head to the Window View Trail at sunset for an unforgettable light show.
Where to Stay: Chisos Mountains Lodge sits right in the heart of the park, offering rooms with balconies overlooking the stunning Basin.
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13. Virgin Islands National Park, USVI
Pristine white sand beaches of Virgin Islands National Park invite you to dive into crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Snorkel alongside sea turtles at Trunk Bay’s underwater trail, where colorful fish dart between coral formations.
Hidden coves and secluded beaches dot the coastline, while hiking trails lead to ancient sugar mill ruins wrapped in jungle vines.
Insider Tip: Visit Maho Bay early morning to spot sea turtles grazing in the shallow waters.
Where to Stay: Westin St. John Resort offers beachfront luxury with easy access to the park’s best snorkeling spots.
14. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Crimson-colored hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park pierce the sky like nature’s skyscrapers.
Queen’s Garden-Navajo Loop combination trail takes you right into the heart of this rock wonderland.
Insider Tip: Book a horseback riding adventure through the canyon for a totally different perspective.
Where to Stay: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon puts you steps away from the rim, perfect for catching those epic sunrises.
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15. Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
Crystal-clear waters of Dry Tortugas National Park surround the massive Fort Jefferson, creating an island paradise 70 miles west of Key West.
Snorkel along the moat wall to spot tropical fish darting between historic artifacts, or paddle around the fort in a kayak.
The remote location means you’ll often have entire beaches to yourself for world-class snorkeling and bird watching.
Insider Tip: Walk around Bush Key for the most spectacular views of Fort Jefferson.
Where to Stay: Garden Key Campground offers the ultimate adventure – camping under the stars next to a historic fort.
